Patrice and Sophie discuss Anne Hidalgo's contribution to the city of Paris. As mayor, she is a controversial figure best known for banning cars from the banks of the Seine. Many Parisians either love her or hate her.

Sophie and Patrice discuss the retirement reforms in France and the mass protests opposing them. They also explain the role of President Macron in this controversial situation.

Sophie and Patrice complain about the excessive use of Article 49.3, a law that allows the government to bypass parliament and push through many unpopular measures like the latest labor reform.

Patrice and Sophie don't quite see eye to eye about the protests against pension reform in France. Listen to them discuss both sides of the argument.

Sophie and Patrice discuss the legislative elections in June 2022. The left-wing parties have reunited for the first time since the Popular Front in 1936. How long will they be able to set aside their differences to form a solid and lasting coalition?

Patrice and Sophie discuss the recent coup that took place in Mali. As always, people suffer in the hands of the army and the oppressors.

Edmée and Fanny discuss which presidential candidate they might vote for in the upcoming elections in April. One of them is considering giving Macron another chance as he wasn't able to accomplish everything during his term due to the health crisis and other unforeseen circumstances.

Patrice and Sophie discuss the war in Ukraine and the consequences of the sanctions and trade embargo for the Russian people.

With the French presidential elections fast approaching, Anna and Louis are still deciding which candidate to vote for.

In this video, Lionel will explain how the French presidential elections work and who the 2022 candidates are.

Patrice and Sophie discuss the various candidates in the 2022 French presidential election. Patrice predicts the second round could be between Macron and Pécresse. Time will tell!

In this video, Lionel and Farid talk about the psychological impact of the pandemic after long periods of quarantine.

Lionel tells us about the end of the second lockdown in France, which took place in mid-December. This, along with predictions of a third wave of the virus, has made French people agree on one thing: all this is very confusing!

Lionel tells us about the second lockdown this year in France. It's slightly different from the first one in that schools are now open.

Lionel describes the latest measures taken by the French government regarding the COVID pandemic. A curfew has been enforced in major cities in an effort to contain the virus.

In May 2020, France entered its deconfinement phase. While the French people are no longer expected to obtain written permission for leaving their homes, they still have to exercise caution and wear masks in most public places.

In this video, from the beginning of May 2020, Lionel talks about the various deconfinement measures taking place in France. The country has been gradually reopening throughout the month of May.

Lionel talks about how the French people are doing after a month of confinement. He misses his hairdresser...

Lionel talks about life under quarantine in France. All group activities are forbidden, and you can only go outside to walk your dog, go to the pharmacy, or shop for basic necessities.

We live in tumultuous times, but Patrice and Sophie are optimistic, excited even, about the changes that are happening around the world. They're referring specifically to the yellow vests movement (les gilets jaunes), a populist movement that began in France in 2018.

The Canard Enchaîné (Chained Duck) recently celebrated its 100-year anniversary. The independent satirical newspaper, known for its shocking headlines, survived many controversies and even censorship. It still has an avid fanbase today.

Lionel discusses the French Academy's latest spelling reform, which includes such modifications as removing the i in oignon (onion) and the circumflex in coût (cost). There's been a fair amount of backlash against the reform, though the changes are only recommended, not mandatory.

A very unpopular labor law caused Parisians to protest near the Bastille before it was passed in 2015. President François Hollande invoked Article 49-3 of the Constitution to force this law through. The protests continued after the law was successfully enacted in 2016. For more information, you can visit the Nuit Debout and Convergence des Luttes websites.

While the Rio Olympic Games were taking place, the Paris Mayor's Office installed a beach volleyball court complete with real sand in front of the city hall building. Parisians relished the opportunity to practice a sport that is not readily available in the heart of the city.